Y ardlong bean
Production
Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp.
sesquipedalis) grows best under warm tem-
peratures (25–35 °C) and full sunlight. Most
varieties are day-neutral plants that flower
all year-round.
Isolation
Yardlong bean produces perfect, self-polli-
nating flowers. Cross-pollination by insects
is possible but rare as self-pollination oc-
curs before the flower opens (the opening
anthers push up against the stigma). Isola-
tion is not necessary.
Fig. 51. Yardlong bean pods
24 | Saving Your Own Vegetable Seeds
Selection
At an early stage when pod color and desir-
able characters can be easily seen, select
those healthy plants and mark them for seed
production. Rogue out diseased plants.
Harvesting
Allow pods to dry brown before harvesting.
The first harvest will be 8–10 weeks after
sowing, followed by 2–3 harvests per week
during the 6–8 week season. Cut pods with
a sharp knife to minimize plant damage.
Pods that are harvested 20 days after polli-
nation will give the maximum seed quality.
Processing
Pods are dried in the sun for approximately
3 days (Fig. 52). For small amounts, pods
may be opened by hand. For large amounts,
hang the pods in a burlap bag and beat them
with a stick, or put on the floor and walk on
them. Remove large chaff by hand or win-
nowing. Discard blemished and shriveled
seeds. Place remaining seeds under shade
for 1–2 weeks for further drying.
Fig. 52. Yardlong bean pods hung in bundles
for drying